Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1571, a Spanish colonial "City" is established by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on top of the ruins of the old polity called #Manila. It would be the chosen capital of the Spanish colony. Today this is commemorated as #ArawngMaynila. (THREAD) tmblr.co/ZtGCUx28MIAad

Context: The Spaniards first established a foothold in Cebu in 1565, half a century after Magellan failed to make headway there. Led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, they heard of reports of a lucrative center of trade further north, of what is now Manila Bay.

Having been attacked by the Portuguese, Legazpi appointed Martin de Goiti & Juan de Salcedo to head an expedition to relocate the colony's base of operations. In 1570, De Goiti & co. came to Manila Bay for the 1st time.

De Goiti began negotiations w/ the leaders of these polities, namely Raja Matanda (ruler of Manila), Lakandula (the former’s cousin, ruler of Tondo), and Soliman (Matanda's heir). Accounts say that Soliman was the more apathetic one.

Negotiations broke down when Soliman mounted a surprise attack on 2 moored Spanish ships on 24 May 1570 ensuing the conflict known as the 1st Battle of Manila. The Spaniards won but it ended w/ the pre-colonial fortress burned. De Goiti & co. went back to Legazpi to report.

In April 1571, convinced by De Goiti's report, Legazpi mounted a fleet of 27 ships w/ 230 troops to set for Manila Bay. Arriving on May 3 of the same yr, the inhabitants of the rebuilt settlement set fire on Manila, while taking refuge in Tondo. Here, Lakandula became mediator.

Lakandula expressed that Matanda & Soliman were now willing to negotiate. They would soon be reconciled to Legazpi, signifying their acceptance of the Spanish sovereignty. Legazpi chose the site of the burnt down fortress as the site of his "city".

But just as they were preparing, other polities in Manila Bay, specifically the ones in Pampanga, led a fleet of 40 caracoas to challenge the Spanish hold on the area. A nameless Macabebe chieftain tried to persuade the Manila chiefs to resist but failed. The fleet was defeated.

The establishing of a "city" in old Spanish parlance, is marked by an elaborate ceremony in the presence of both Spanish officials and native inhabitants, featured in this 1898 painting of the founding of the city of Santiago, Chile, painted by artist Pedro Lira.

The act of city building, in all its ceremonial meanings signify colonial control over the area, but one that is accepted by natives. Rizal, Bonifacio, & even the drafters of the Proclamation of Independence saw this event as a pact that had been violated:

Which brings us to our commemoration of #ArawngMaynila today. If one would commemorate it, it would be fair to commemorate both the pre-colonial Manila, and the agreement that made the colonial city possible. The subsequent violation of the pact led to revolution & independence.

Photo credits:
- Presidential Museum and Library (2010-2016)
- "The Discovery and Conquest of the Molucco and Philippine Islands" (1711)
- "La fundación de Santiago” (1898) art by Pedro Lira